Kathmandu: The Eighth Commerce Secretary Level Meeting (CSLM) between Nepal and Bangladesh was held in Dhaka from January 13 to 14, 2026, to review progress in bilateral trade and explore ways to further strengthen economic cooperation.
The Nepali delegation was led by Dr. Ram Prasad Ghimire, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, while the Bangladesh side was headed by Mahbubur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce of the Government of Bangladesh.
The meeting reviewed developments since the Seventh CSLM held in Kathmandu in April 2024. Addressing the meeting, Secretary Dr. Ghimire emphasized the need to enhance bilateral trade by reducing trade-related barriers, including other duties and charges. He also highlighted the importance of close cooperation to promote collective interests at regional and international forums, particularly in view of the impending graduation of both countries from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.
Secretary Rahman said the need for deeper economic partnership through enhanced collaboration in trade and investment, connectivity, and tourism. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to upgrading transport infrastructure, simplifying customs procedures, and strengthening trade facilitation measures to unlock new opportunities in bilateral economic cooperation.
Both sides agreed to convene the Trade Negotiating Committee meeting within the next three months to expedite negotiations on the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), including the text, Rules of Origin, and product lists. They also agreed to work closely on harmonizing customs procedures, facilitating cross-border payments, and addressing broader non-tariff barriers to foster a more robust partnership in trade and investment.
Reviewing investment linkages, the two sides stressed the importance of promoting joint venture investments, particularly in hydropower development in Nepal and in value-chain development of goods and services. They also agreed to enhance tourism cooperation through the development of a joint action plan and regular exchanges.
The Agreed Minutes of the meeting were signed by the Commerce Secretaries of the two countries. The Nepali delegation comprised officials from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, the Ministry of Finance, and the Embassy of Nepal in Dhaka, while the Bangladesh delegation included representatives from various ministries.
It was agreed that the Ninth Commerce Secretary Level Meeting will be held in Kathmandu at a mutually convenient date.
